BIBLIO is the largest independent book marketplace in the world, with over 100 million books.

Skip to content

The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940 Paperback - 2014

by Miles Orvell

Add to wish list

Reader reviews for The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

Write a review for this book

There are no reviews for this book yet. Be the first to write a review!

Your review will be anonymous unless you login or create an account first.

Overall rating
Remember: You’re rating the book as a work, not the seller or the condition of the specific copy you purchased!

Important Terms and Guidelines

  • Please focus on the book’s content and context. Also, add any personal comments as to how you enjoyed the book. Substantiate your likes and dislikes. You may make comparisons to other books.
  • Reviews must be at least 140 characters in length.
  • Please do not reveal critical plot elements.
  • This is not a help line. Contact customer support if you need help.
Your review must not include:
  • Obscenities, discriminatory language, or other insulting language not suitable for public domain
  • Advertisements, “spam” content, or references to other products, offers or websites.
  • Email addresses, URLs, phone numbers, physical addresses or other contact information.
  • Overly critical comments about other reviews or reviewers
  • Time-sensitive material (i.e. promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.)
  • Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information

From the publisher

In this classic study of the relationship between technology and culture, Miles Orvell demonstrates that the roots of contemporary popular culture reach back to the Victorian era, when mechanical replications of familiar objects reigned supreme and realism dominated artistic representation. Reacting against this genteel culture of imitation, a number of artists and intellectuals at the turn of the century were inspired by the machine to create more authentic works of art that were themselves "real things." The resulting tension between a culture of imitation and a culture of authenticity, argues Orvell, has become a defining category in our culture.

The twenty-fifth anniversary edition includes a new preface by the author, looking back on the late twentieth century and assessing tensions between imitation and authenticity in the context of our digital age. Considering material culture, photography, and literature, the book touches on influential figures such as writers Walt Whitman, Henry James, John Dos Passos, and James Agee; photographers Alfred Stieglitz, Walker Evans, and Margaret Bourke-White; and architect-designers Gustav Stickley and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Details

  • Title The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
  • Author Miles Orvell
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition 25th
  • Pages 420
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher University of North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill
  • Publication date 2014-08-25
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
  • ISBN 9781469615363 / 1469615363
  • Weight 1.35 lbs (0.61 kg)
  • Dimensions 9 x 6 x 1.2 in (22.86 x 15.24 x 3.05 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 19th Century
    • Chronological Period: 20th Century
  • Category History - U.S.
  • Library of Congress subjects United States, History
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2015300622
  • Dewey Decimal Code 306.097
Back to top↑

More Copies for Sale

The Real Thing : Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing : Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Orvell, Miles

  • Used
Condition
Used
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
1
Seller
Better World Books
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$17.61
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
University of North Carolina Press. Used - Very Good. Pages intact with possible writing/highlighting. Binding strong with minor wear. Dust jackets/supplements may not be included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$17.61
Free Delivery to USA
The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Orvell, Miles

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
Edition
Twenty-fifth Anniversary
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
1
Seller
Ergodebooks
Item price
A$40.87
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
University of North Carolina Press, 2014-08-25. Twenty-fifth Anniversary. paperback. Used: Good. 6.00x1.00x9.00. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$40.87
Free Delivery to USA
The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Orvell, Miles

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Edition
Twenty-fifth Anniversary
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
6
Seller
Ergodebooks
Item price
A$40.91
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
University of North Carolina Press, 2014-08-25. Twenty-fifth Anniversary. paperback. New. 6.00x1.00x9.00. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$40.91
Free Delivery to USA
Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Miles Orvell

  • New
  • Hardback
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
10
Seller
The Saint Bookstore
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$84.44
A$19.20 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Hardback. New. In this classic study of the relationship between technology and culture, Miles Orvell demonstrates that the roots of contemporary popular culture reach back to the Victorian era, when mechanical replications of familiar objects reigned supreme and realism dominated artistic representation.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$84.44
A$19.20 Delivery to USA
The Real Thing
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing

by Orvell, Miles,

  • New
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
5
Seller
GreatBookPrices
Item price
A$63.63
A$5.74 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
new.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$63.63
A$5.74 Delivery to USA
The Real Thing
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing

by Orvell, Miles,

  • Used
Condition
New
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
5
Seller
GreatBookPrices
Item price
A$63.63
A$5.74 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
like new.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$63.63
A$5.74 Delivery to USA
The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Orvell, Miles

  • Used
  • Good
  • Paperback
Condition
Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
1
Seller
Bonita
Item price
A$63.80
Free Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
paperback. Good. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items. May be an ex-library book.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$63.80
Free Delivery to USA
Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Miles Orvell

  • New
  • Hardback
Condition
New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
10
Seller
The Saint Bookstore
Biblio Top Seller
Item price
A$96.02
A$19.20 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Hardback. New. In this classic study of the relationship between technology and culture, Miles Orvell demonstrates that the roots of contemporary popular culture reach back to the Victorian era, when mechanical replications of familiar objects reigned supreme and realism dominated artistic representation.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$96.02
A$19.20 Delivery to USA
The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940
Stock photo: cover may vary

The Real Thing: Imitation and Authenticity in American Culture, 1880-1940

by Orvell, Miles

  • New
  • Paperback
Condition
New
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9781469615363 / 1469615363
Quantity available
2
Seller
Revaluation Books
Item price
A$98.33
A$48.23 Delivery to USA

Show details

Description:
Univ of North Carolina Pr, 2014. Paperback. New. 25 anv edition. 382 pages. 9.00x6.00x1.25 inches.
Add to wish list
Item price
A$98.33
A$48.23 Delivery to USA
Show all copies
Back to top↑

Please wait a moment while we load the requested page.